The international symposium in Thimphu, Bhutan, wrapped up on September 17, 2025, with an important agreement aimed at transforming medical education and encouraging collaboration across continents. The three-day event, called the “International Symposium on Enhancing Medical Education,” took place from September 15 to 17 and was organized by the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB).
Hosted by KGUMSB in partnership with the Center for International Health at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (CIH-LMU) and Jimma University (Ethiopia), the symposium served as a pivotal moment for the SDG Trilateral Alliance on Medical Education Project. It convened leading experts, educators, and policymakers to discuss strategies for improving the quality and relevance of medical education in Bhutan and Ethiopia, directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
A highlight of the symposium was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the three institutions. This agreement establishes a robust framework for trilateral cooperation, enabling the exchange of undergraduate and postgraduate medical students while strengthening institutional relationships through faculty exchanges and collaborative research projects in education and healthcare.
Leaders from all three universities hailed the agreement as a transformative milestone.
Dr. Pem Namgyal, President of KGUMSB, remarked, “Today marks a shift from dialogue to actionable initiatives. This MoU creates a direct channel for knowledge and experience between the dynamic healthcare environments of Ethiopia and the Himalayas. Our students will gain invaluable insights, becoming truly global citizens in the field of medicine.”
Prof. Ahmed Zeynudin from Jimma University echoed this sentiment, stating, “Jimma University’s philosophy is rooted in community-based education. By exchanging our students and faculty with KGUMSB, we can share our model while learning from Bhutan’s unique happiness-focused approach to health. This exemplifies south-south cooperation at its best.”
Prof. Dr. Matthias Siebeck, Project Director at CIH-LMU in Germany, highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership: “Our mission is to foster equitable and sustainable collaborations. This MoU links continents to create exceptional learning opportunities. By immersing students in both Ethiopian and Bhutanese healthcare systems, we are preparing a generation of health professionals who are adaptable, culturally aware, and innovative.”
The newly established alliance is set to create a vibrant pipeline for shared knowledge, driving innovation and nurturing a new generation of healthcare professionals ready to tackle global health challenges.
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